Stylists like myself use several hot tools in styling your hair. We sometimes dry it with a blow dryer and straighten it with a flat iron until this little challenger came: the hot brush.
It can add volume, help in styling, and dry your hair. It’s a one-step hair dryer!
We’d like to know whether one particular tool works better than the other; we will compare a hairdryer and a hot airbrush. Join me, Curlies, as we find out which one works for your hair type and turns your bed head into gorgeously styled hair.
Hairdryers and Hot Brushes: A Quick Rundown
These two hot tools have a similar purpose: to dry hair.
Blow dryers blow air, obviously, and the heat from that air dries your hair. Some have a cool setting, too, which can set your style or give your scalp a refreshing blast of cool air (great for those with sensitive scalps!).
A hot hair brush is similar to a round brush in structure. It also uses heat to dry your hair while you brush it. This action can add volume or curl definition. Some also have variable heat settings and ionic technology.
The Better Hair Tool
So, which is better for you?
It all comes down to personal preference! If you’re someone who loves multi-tasking and getting things done quickly, a blow-dry brush will do you wonders. If your morning routine allows for a linger prep time, a blow dryer will serve the purpose well.
Things to Consider in Choosing Between a Hairdryer and a Hot Airbrush
Time
Do you have to hurry every morning to style your hair? Or do you have a spare hour or two in your GRWM routine? If you’re always in a rush, go for a hot airbrush. It will save you time by drying and styling your hair simultaneously.
If you can afford to spend more time on your hair, go ahead and use a hair dryer, then finish with a flat iron.
Hair Health and Type
A firm smoothing brush can give you smooth hair. But this can only work if you don’t have damaged hair, as the bristles tug on the hair cuticle, creating frizz. Although hot dryer brushes are touted to work on all hair types, sadly, this isn’t true every time. Choose a tool that’s good for your hair condition and hair type.
Budget
What is your budget for a hot tool? A hair dryer is most likely cheaper than hot air brushes. Budget-wise, choose the former to style your hair straight.
Styling Needs
Get a tool based on your styling needs. A rotating hot air brush is excellent for short hair but might not work as well for super curly or longer hair.
Do you have to style damp hair or wet hair? Can your hair handle high heat? Are temperature settings non-negotiable? If so, choose one with ceramic technology; tools using this feature are usually kinder to hair.
Hot Air Brush: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dries and styles hair at the same time
- It dries hair a bit faster than a traditional hair dryer.
- Adds volume to fine hair and natural hair
- Hot air brushes can also curl straight hair, though not as well as a curling wand
- Great for short hair
Cons:
- It might not work as well for curly or long hair
- Other hair dryer brushes can cause frizz
- It may be hard to use for thick hair
- It cannot produce tighter curls compared to a curling iron
Hairdryer Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Can add shine and smooth hair
- It can be used as a pre-styling dryer
- For those with sensitive scalps, the cool shot button is refreshing
- Delivers a blowout that is unmatched even with the best hair dryer brushes
- Has different heat settings to avoid excessive heat damage
- It can also curl hair/set hair into waves
Cons:
- It takes longer to dry hair
- Needs extra tools to achieve a salon blowout, like a paddle brush or a round brush
Things to Consider When Getting a Hot Airbrush
Hot air brushes are a fantastic all-in-one styling tool, but not all are created equal. In my experience, you should look out for these things when buying your first volumizer hot air brush:
Bristle Type
Ceramic bristles are best for even heat distribution, but others prefer nylon bristles. Some stylists recommend a combination of nylon and tufted bristles to give bouncy hair.
Temperature Control
A blow-dry brush can still damage your hair, so getting one with hair-friendly temperature settings is a must. Too hot will burn your hair; too cold, and it will take you forever to style your hair.
Wrap Ip
A hot air brush is a great time-saver for those who want to style their hair quickly. You can also use it to add volume or curl to your hair.
A hairdryer is most likely cheaper than hot airbrushes and can be used to style all hair types. Choose a tool based on your styling needs and budget. Consider the bristles, temperature settings, and other hot air brush features.
That should help you decide whether to use a hairdryer or a hot air brush! Here’s our article for the best hot air brush that we compiled to help you choose your heat styling tool.
Let us know which works by commenting below. Happy styling, Curlies!
